This chapter is written by Kelseyalicia
The Ancients had convened once more in the Nexus, their expressions taut with urgency as they searched for a solution to Paradox's impending endgame. Dimensie had calculated that their former comrade's final move was less than a week away.
Clockwork stood at the edge of the gathering, deeply troubled. The weight of knowing that his former brother was the root of the multiverse crisis pressed heavily upon him. He feared the desperate actions they might be forced to take before the ultimate battle for reality commenced, especially with the thought of that battle unfolding in the heart of the multiverse—the Nexus itself.
Around the semi-circle table, the others were caught in rapid, anxious conversation, each voicing ideas on confronting the looming showdown. Suddenly, a new voice pierced the tension, causing everyone to startle.
"Enough! If all you're going to do is talk in circles, we'll never be prepared for my former brother-in-law's endgame!" The voice was beautiful and commanding, and an equally striking female ghost stepped out of the shadows.
"Lilith! What are you doing in the Nexus? You should be back with our daughter in our reality!" Clockwork exclaimed, alarm rising in his voice.
"Our home reality is just as threatened, my love. The very powers that created it are weakening as we speak. Though the prophecy speaks of only six, the only way to win this war is by amassing our army."
"You can't mean involving our children! We've done everything to keep them out of this conflict!" Cronos protested, his voice echoing with concern.
"Cronos, you know it's the only solution," Lilith replied sharply. "We must inform the heroes' families and siblings and bring them to our reality. I've already spoken with Mag Soulwings, and she agrees—they all need to be briefed before Paradox makes his move."
"Are you sure there's no other course of action? Bringing so many versions of the heroes and their families together might cause the multiverse to collapse even faster," Dimensie warned, unease creeping into his tone.
"We have no choice—we've run out of options, and you all know it!" Lilith insisted, her determination unwavering.
"Very well, my love. We will summon everyone you've requested and transport them to our realm," Clockwork conceded, a mix of relief and worry washing over him. Lilith's smile brightened the room.
She leaned in to kiss him quickly, urgency coloring her words. "I'll give the hybrid Masters family the heads-up. Our children and my students are included, too. Just make sure everyone arrives within an hour—maybe five hours at most. We can't afford to push our luck any further." With that, she teleported away.
In their home realm, the Ancients' children, the Masters family, and others with a Ghost Gene waited anxiously for the next development. They were stunned to see many different versions of themselves gathered in one place.
Between Dynama and Enchantra, they'd ensured that the ghost hunters' weapons wouldn't harm anyone without causing excruciating pain—a painful but necessary precaution.
Magdalene Masters, known as Mag Soulwings, welcomed everyone into the castle's vast living room, where the song "For Such a Time as This" by Wayne Watson played softly over the loudspeakers.
Devoted to her faith, Mag explained that this song perfectly captured their moment. The Almighty had summoned them, as the Ancients had confirmed, for such a time as this.
Just as Esther had been made queen to save the Jews of Persia, they had been born and prepared for this inevitable showdown. Strong bonds and their powers at their peak would be essential to stop Paradox once and for all.
Thus began the most significant gathering in the multiverse's history. As everyone got to know each other and every version of themselves, intense training and team-building exercises followed. The multiverse could only hope that, just as Esther had saved the Jews, those gathered in this castle were prepared for such a time as this and could emerge victorious in this impossible fight.